external image haunted_house.jpg

The first full-length unit we will explore in seventh-grade language arts will be creative writing...with a suspenseful, thrilling, and spooky twist!

We will be learning the various elements of plot and applying this knowledge to our very own short story. These stories will focus on elements of mystery and suspense. We will discuss how "spookiness" can be created without blood and gore!

The students will be aspiring authors who are seeking publication of their wonderful short stories! This will entail generating a plot for a story and working on some of the details to entice readers to want to read more. I look forward to seeing the creativity flow as the students demonstrate their ability to incorporate new skills.


Outline of Unit:
  • elements of plot/short stories
  • using dialogue in writing
  • figurative language
  • suspenseful/mysterious characteristics
    • Edgar Allan Poe's A Tell Tale Heart
  • "Spooky Stories"
    • create a plot line
    • summary of plot
    • "sneak peek" excerpt of story
    • presentation to class





Graphic Organizer
and Character Sketch

assigned: Wednesday, September
30th, 2009
due: Friday, October
2nd, 2009



Plot Outline
assigned: Thursday, October 1st, 2009
due: Friday, October 9th, 2009



Summary -- Short
Story

assigned: Friday, October 2nd, 2009
due: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009



"Sneak Peek"
excerpt of short story

assigned: Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
due: Thursday, October 22nd, 2009



Presentations to Class

due: Thursday, October 22nd & Friday, October 23rd, 2009